Florence County Marriage License Info
The Florence County Probate Court issues marriage licenses in Florence County, South Carolina. The city of Florence is the county seat, and the court is based there. Couples who wish to marry in this part of the state file their forms at the Probate Court office. Staff can guide you through each step. Florence County marriage license records date back to 1911. The court keeps these on file and can provide certified copies on request. Whether you plan to marry here or need a record from years past, the Florence County Probate Court is your first stop.
Getting a Florence County License
Both people must visit the Florence County Probate Court in person. One person alone cannot file the forms. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security card.
The court staff will hand you a form. Both parties sign it at the office. After you file, there is a 24-hour waiting period. This rule is set by state law under Section 20-1-220. You must wait a full day before the court can issue the license. Plan ahead if your ceremony date is near.
Come back after the wait to pick up your license. It is valid for use anywhere in the state.
Florence County License Requirements
Both people must be at least 16. If either person is between 16 and 18, a parent or guardian must sign a sworn affidavit of consent. The court will ask for proof of age, like a birth certificate, for any minor applicant.
South Carolina has no blood test rule. It has no residency requirement, either. You do not have to live in Florence County or in the state. Couples from out of state can apply here as long as they meet the age and ID rules.
Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, you need your final divorce decree. If your former spouse passed away, bring a death certificate. These rules help the court confirm that both parties are free to marry.
Who Can Lead the Ceremony
Once you have your Florence County marriage license, you need an officiant. South Carolina law is clear on who may perform the ceremony. Under Section 20-1-20, the following people are allowed:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in the state
- Chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by South Carolina
The officiant signs the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They then return it to the Florence County Probate Court so the record can be filed.
Florence County Marriage Certificate Copies
The Probate Court maintains marriage records from 1911 to the present. To get a certified copy, contact the court. You will need ID and the names of both people on the record, plus the date of the marriage.
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina State House website, showing the state laws that govern marriage license procedures in Florence County and all other counties.
The state code lays out the 24-hour waiting rule, the age requirements, and the duties of the Probate Court. These rules apply to every county in South Carolina, including Florence County.
Fees for Florence Marriage Licenses
State law imposes a $20 surcharge on every marriage license. This goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The base fee can vary, so call the Florence County Probate Court to check the current total cost before you go.
Cash is accepted at most courts. Some offices also take checks or money orders. Ask about credit cards before your visit. Check the Florence County website for the latest details.
Keep in mind the 24-hour waiting rule. You will need to make two trips to the court: one to file and one to pick up. Build that into your schedule.
Premarital Course and Tax Credit
Couples who complete a premarital preparation course can get a $50 state income tax credit. The course must be at least six hours. It can be taught by a licensed counselor or a member of the clergy. Both people must take it together, not on their own. You have to finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the license.
Bring proof of the course to the Florence County Probate Court when you file. The court will note it on your marriage license. This credit is detailed in Section 20-1-230.
State Records for Florence Marriages
After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required by Section 20-1-340. It keeps a central file of every marriage in the state.
The image below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health website, which explains how to order copies of marriage certificates through the state vital records office.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you can request a copy from the state office. The fee is $12 by mail or $17 for expedited service. You will need a photo ID and the names and date of the marriage.
Florence County Marriage License Questions
Can you apply online? No. Both parties must appear in person at the Florence County Probate Court. There is no online, mail, or phone option for the application.
Can the 24-hour wait be waived? No. It is set by state law and applies in every county.
Does the license work in other states? The license itself is only valid for ceremonies in South Carolina. A marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is generally recognized across all 50 states.
What if you lost your certificate? Contact the Florence County Probate Court or the state vital records office in Columbia for a certified copy. You will need to show ID and provide the names and date on the record.
If you are looking into family history, the court can help search through local files. Older Florence County marriage records may also be at the state archives.